Can I live cheaply in Greece?

Yes, you can live cheaply in Greece, especially outside of tourist hotspots. Your existing strategies of affordable neighborhoods, home cooking, and public transport are spot on. For instance, a single person can budget around €800-€1200 per month for living expenses in smaller cities like Kalamata or Ioannina. Rent for a decent 1-bedroom apartment might be €300-€500. Groceries for one typically run €200-€300. Public transport is very affordable, often €1.20-€1.40 for a single ticket in Athens or Thessaloniki. Greece does have a progressive income tax, starting at 9% for income up to €10,000, and rising to 44% for income over €40,000. VAT is 24% on most goods and services. However, the lower cost of essentials often offsets these. Net Life Value gives Greece a Cost of Living score of 62/100, significantly lower than countries like the US (100/100) or UK (87/100). To truly live cheaply, focus on local markets for food and consider areas slightly outside city centers. This allows you to enjoy the Greek lifestyle without breaking the bank.